Commemorative plaque honours World War Two hero
BBCA commemorative plaque has been unveiled in Dover to honour a Royal Navy sailor awarded the Victoria Cross for extraordinary bravery during World War Two.
Petty Officer Thomas Gould received the medal after helping dispose of two unexploded bombs that landed on his submarine during an attack in 1942.
A service was held at the Maison Dieu, a historic building in the Kent coastal town where he grew up.
The plaque is part of a project by the Submariners Association recognising personnel awarded the Victoria Cross in both world wars.
The bombs, each about 3ft (1m) long, had come to rest on the casing of HMS Thrasher after it was attacked by German aircraft.
There were fears they could explode if the submarine moved, causing it to sink, said veteran Sandy Powell, a member of the Submariners Association.
"If that had happened, it would have blown a hole in the pressure hull and it would have sunk the submarine," Powell said.
"The captain called for two volunteers. The first lieutenant and also Petty Officer Gould volunteered - absolutely amazing."
The sailor's son, Keith Gould, 84, said he was "very, very proud" of what his father had done.
"He put the bomb, I believe, on his chest down there and he was dragged out," he said.
He said both men received the Victoria Cross for their bravery.
His father had been happy in the Royal Navy, he said, adding: "He loved it, loved being in submarines, it was very important to him."
Gould said he wanted his father to be remembered "as a man who was doing his duty, no more, no less, that's how he saw it".
The plaque has been installed as part of a nationwide project commemorating 14 submariners who received the Victoria Cross during World War One and World War Two, the association said.
Dover District Council leader Kevin Mills said it was important the town recognised Gould, adding: "This is our building, the Maison Dieu. It's an iconic building. It's a building that he would have known in his youth because it's been here for hundreds of years. So it's right that it's here and it's right that the people of Dover and the council actually recognise what this incredible individual did."
Follow BBC Kent on Facebook, X, and on Instagram and listen to BBC Radio Kent on Sounds. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.
